Jonathan Chen is the proud owner of a brand new Nissan Micra Active from CMH Nissan Durban
A delighted Jonathan Chen receives the keys to his new Nissan Active Micra from dealer principal of CMH Nissan Durban, Stuart Singleton. Chen won the Ride for MRP Foundation’s win-a-car competition. Picture: MRP Foundation / Tim Lubbe
Twenty-five year old Durban based Jonathan Chen is the proud owner of a brand new Nissan Micra Active from CMH Nissan Durban, the grand prize for the 2018 Ride for MRP Foundation’s Win-a-Car competition.
Chen, a doctor currently completing his second year of an internship at Addington Hospital in Durban, initially thought it was a hoax. “When I first got the call saying I had won a car, I didn’t believe it. I actually drove to CMH Nissan after work to make sure it was true. Now that I have the keys in my hand, it feels insane,” said an elated Chen.
Once finished with his community service, Chen wants to specialise so he can work towards uplifting the community. He believes that supporting development is important and chooses a worthy cause to support each year.
“Education will stand South African youth in good stead and is the solution to many of the country’s problems,” he said.
The car was officially handed over to him at the launch of the 2019 Ride for MRP Foundation, taking place on December 1 and 2. Cyclists, partners and MRP Foundation staff gathered at CMH Nissan Durban on Tuesday May 14 to officially launch the 10th anniversary of the event as well as relive memories from the 2018 edition.
The successful Win-a-Car competition ran for 6 months, garnering thousands of entries through Zapper and SMS. Through the collective fundraising efforts of the cyclists and the competition, the ninth edition of the annual Ride raised R1.96 million, just short of the R2 million target.
Karen Wells, Head of MRP Foundation, shared a message of thanks at the event saying:
“Funds raised will be used to empower the youth of South Africa through MRP Foundation’s high-impact education and skills development programmes. Your support and contributions are invaluable to break the cycle of poverty and inequality in South Africa.”
The event also honoured the Ride’s top fundraisers. Mario Santana, former MD of SPAR Western Cape, raised the highest funds, winning a Giant TCX SLR bicycle and the chance to ride in the 2019 edition in the coveted ABSA Red Jersey.
The second highest fundraiser was the late Paul Els, Group Store Development Executive for the Mr Price Group, winning a Giant Contend bicycle. Zisandele Mkhize, E-Commerce / Graphic Designer at MRP Home, won a Defy fridge, awarded for the most engagement and number of donors.
The event also honoured cyclist, Paul Els, who was tragically involved in a fatal cycling accident over the weekend.
Kelvin du Sart, Ride for MRP Foundation Director and Westville Cycle Club Chairman, shared his condolences. “While we are here to acknowledge Ride for MRP Foundation’s resounding success, it’s also a very sad day as we have lost a fellow Westville Cycle Club rider, Paul Els. The Westville Cycle Club wishes his wife Cheryl and his family our deepest condolences. Paul joined us in the challenge of riding his first Ride for MRP Foundation last year and was a regular rider with the ‘Hillcrest Ballies’.”
The 2019 Ride for MRP Foundation will take place on December 1-2.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RIDE CLICK HERE.
The 2018 Ride for MRP Foundation partners were: Absa, CMH Nissan Durban, SPAR, Maxed, Expand-a-Sign, City Logistics, Zapper, Trader Plus, Corruseal, KTM, Westville Cycle Club, Giant, Cyclesphere, SA Rugby Legends and Hirt and Carter.
